This summer, children aged 4-11 can visit Rutland Libraries to join a superstar team and their marvellous mascots and get involved in a Summer Reading Challenge themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity. 

Through taking part in the Challenge, with free materials from Ruland Libraries and online via the Challenge website, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break.

The characters – brought to life by children's author and illustrator Loretta Schauer – navigate a fictional summer obstacle course and track their reading as they go, rewarded by free incentives including stickers.  

Through activity challenge cards from the Youth Sport Trust, and an exciting themed book collection, the Summer Reading Challenge aims to keep imaginations moving over the school holiday. By participating in the challenge at Rutland Libraries, young people will have the opportunity to explore new reading material, develop skills, and discover new interests. 

The Summer Reading Challenge aims to get kids reading during the school holidays. Image credit: Oakham Book Swap.

Summer Reading Challenge events at Rutland Libraries are as follows: 

• Ready, Set, Read! Stories and Craft - Oakham Library 25th July 10.30-11.30am
• Ready, Set, Read! Stories and Craft - Ryhall Library 3rd August 10.30-11.30am
• Ready, Set, Read! Stories and Craft - Uppingham Library 8th August 10.30-11.30am
• Ready, Set, Read! Stories and Craft - Ketton Library 16th August 10.30-11.30am
• Lion learners meet the animals sessions Oakham Library 9th August 10.30-11.30am, or 1.30-2.30pm
• Tom the Tale Teller stories from the story stick 11th August 10.30-11.30am

All events are free and for children between 4 and 11 years.

All events must be pre-booked. To sign up for any or all of the sessions, or for further information, contact Oakham Library on 01572 722918, or e-mail [email protected]

Find Rutland Library on Catmos Street, Oakham, Rutland. Image credit: Nub News.

Rutland County Council's Portfolio Holder for Children's Services, Cllr Raymond Payne said: "We are pleased to be part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2023 and look forward to holding free activities for our young residents to enjoy during the Summer.

"The Stories and Craft sessions are a fantastic and creative way for youngsters to further their love of books or to begin their library journey. We hope to see many youngsters come along and get involved in the activities."

The Summer Reading Challenge has been running since 1999 and helps to improve children's reading skills and confidence over the summer holidays, ensuring they are ready for their return to school. With the help of local libraries, the Summer Reading Challenge is accessible to all and provides a fun, free activity for children.  

In 2022, the Summer Reading Challenge reached 723,184 children and families across the UK, with 608,015 children taking part through their local library service, a 31% increase compared to 2021. The Challenge also drove 132,223 new children's library memberships which is 40% higher than the 2019 pre-pandemic total. 

Karen Napier, CEO, The Reading Agency said: "We're delighted to see how library partners across the country are organising their own events and activities to support this year's Summer Reading Challenge. We are really looking forward to working closely with them to help get children reading, imagining, and staying active this summer."